Policy and Planning Officer (Capacity Development), P-3

United Nations - International Seabed Authority

Kingston, Jamaica

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is based in the Capacity Development Unit of the Executive Office of the Secretary General (EOSG) of the International Seabed Authority in Kingston, Jamaica. The Executive Office of the Secretary-General assists the Secretary-General in supervising and coordinating the work of the secretariat, pursuant to the executive directions of the Secretary-General and the relevant directives and decisions of the Council and decisions of the Assembly. The Executive Office is also responsible for: (i) coordinating the policy response of the secretariat on substantive matters and ensure internal coordination between substantive offices and units; (ii) coordinating, with the relevant offices and organizational units, the progress, timely delivery and achievement of the programmatic mandate of the Authority; (iii) formulating and monitor the implementation of the strategic plan, the high-level action plan and all related frameworks; and (e) coordinating, report on and, as appropriate, manage the delivery of the voluntary commitments established by the Authority in pursuance of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The international Seabed Authority (ISA) is the international organization established by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to organise and regulate seabed related activities in the international seabed area (the Area), covering 54% of the world’s ocean seabed. Its mandate also includes the promotion and encouragement of marine scientific research as well as the dissemination of research results when available, the development of training programmes for nationals of developing States to ensure that they participate effectively in activities in the Area and in the work of ISA, the protection of the environment and the equitable sharing of benefits. As of today, ISA is comprised of 169 members and 106 observers including 29 States non-parties to UNCLOS, 32 United Nations bodies and other intergovernmental organizations and 45 non-governmental organizations.

Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the Secretary General, and the direct supervision of the Chief of Staff and Head of Strategic Planning Unit and within delegated authority, the Policy and Planning Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

Assist in the conceptualization, development, implementation and monitoring of various policy and strategic planning frameworks including the Strategic Plan and High-Level Action Plan of the Authority, the Action Plan in support of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, and the Capacity Development Strategy.
Participate in the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned programmes/projects, etc.; monitor and analyze programme/project development and implementation; review relevant documents and reports; identify problems and issues to be addressed and propose corrective actions; liaise with relevant parties; identify and tracks follow-up actions.
Facilitate coordination with relevant offices in the Secretariat and partners progress, in the strategic positioning of ISA on global ocean agenda and provide substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc.
Assist in policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or other research activities and studies for consideration by senior management officers.
Assist with critical thinking and reflection on the formulation of technical and policy support to LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS to maximise impact and ensure project ownership and sustainability at country and regional level.
Maintain strategic partnerships and donor relations in relation to the work of ISA and in particular LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS activities.
Assist in the timely preparation and dissemination of relevant reports, concept papers, analysis, speeches, information notes and policy briefs on issues of relevance for the mandate and work of ISA as well as responses to Member States and partners.
Undertake survey initiatives; designs data collection tools; reviews, analyzes and interprets responses, identifies problems/issues and prepares conclusions by senior management officers.
Undertake outreach activities; conducts training workshops, seminars, etc.; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities.
Coordinate activities related to budget and funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepares related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.).
Perform other duties as required by the Chief of Staff and Head of the Strategic Planning Unit or Secretary General.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of the ISA mandate, role, functions and ocean governance issues. Ability to identify and analyze priority issues, articulate analyses in clear and concise forms, and participate in issues resolution. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Education

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in marine policy, international law, law of the sea, mining law, ocean governance, blue economy or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with an additional two (2) years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, law of the sea, sustainable development, ocean policy/governance, blue economy, or related area is required.
Experience in developing and delivering data-driven analytical products to senior management is required.
Experience in organizational strategy design and execution is required.
Experience in facilitating and coordinating multi-stakeholder planning processes is required.
Experience in developing and implementing policies, procedures, methodologies and tools, including results-based budgeting frameworks, risk management, or monitoring and evaluation is required.
Experience building and maintaining partnerships with Governments, the UN system, and a diverse range of non-governmental stakeholders is desirable.
Experience in drafting reports and various written outputs including the development of concept notes is desirable.
Experience in project planning, management, administration supervision, monitoring and evaluation is desirable.
Experience in organizing high-level events involving senior officials is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the ISA Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official language of the United Nations is desirable.

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